On the Ground: My colleague and I arrived at JFK after an easy drive from our office in Pennsylvania. We parked the car and proceeded to Terminal 1, where check-in was quick and efficient. A Brussels Airlines representative escorted us through the lightly populated first- and business-class TSA security lane and escorted us to the Lufthansa lounge. We spent about 45 minutes there before boarding. The lounge featured workstations, comfortable seating, and a selection of warm and cold snacks and beverages. When our flight was called, we headed to the gate.
Pre-Flight: Boarding was smooth and hassle-free. This early January flight had plenty of open seats, so the gate agents allowed me to choose an aisle seat. The aircraft, an A330-300, used a staggered 1-2-1/2-1-2 configuration in business class. My flat-bed aisle seat sat next to an empty window seat, giving me ample space and privacy. After stowing my carry-on and briefcase and handing my coat to a flight attendant, I explored the seat controls and the entertainment system while enjoying a glass of Champagne. The seat offered USB power outlets and a responsive touch-screen monitor with hundreds of hours of movies and on-demand entertainment. Flight attendants distributed amenity kits and menus as we prepared for departure.
In-Flight: Shortly after takeoff, the crew began beverage service. Brussels Airlines has been recognized for its wine selection, and I was keen to sample some of the offerings. To start, I tried the airline’s Beer of the Month, Brasserie de Bellevaux Brune, which I enjoyed. For the main course I chose the blackened sea bass, which was excellent, paired with a Sancerre (Domaine Sylvain Bailly, 2013). I later sampled a selection of red wines, all of which were quite good. Being a Belgian carrier, the crew also offered after-dinner chocolates; as a chocolate enthusiast, I appreciated that thoughtful touch. Before our descent, the cabin crew served a light continental breakfast to round out the service.
The Experience: The flight was pleasantly uneventful—exactly what you want when traveling—and the return journey was similarly smooth. For non-EU travelers, Brussels Airport can be an efficient entry point to Europe because arrivals areas tend to be less crowded and immigration processing is quicker compared with many larger European hubs. From check-in to the cabin, Brussels Airlines’ staff were attentive and professional, which contributed significantly to an enjoyable trip. On the return leg, we used the airline’s lounge, The Loft, at Brussels Airport; it enhanced the travel experience with its comfortable spaces and amenities. The Loft is among the standout lounges I have visited and made the trip feel well supported from end to end.
GT CHECKLIST
[checklist]
[item check=yes]Check-in under 10 minutes[/item]
[item check=yes]Friendly, helpful agents[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority-tagged baggage[/item]
[item check=yes]Access to an airport lounge[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-lounge food[/item]
[item check=yes]Priority boarding[/item]
[item check=yes]Attentive, courteous flight attendants[/item]
[item check=yes]Pre-flight beverage service[/item]
[item check=yes]Pre-flight newspapers and magazines[/item]
[item check=yes]Extensive on-demand entertainment[/item]
[item check=yes]Amenity kits provided[/item]
[item]Slippers[/item]
[item check=yes]Lie-flat seat/bed[/item]
[item]Turn-down service[/item]
[item check=yes]In-flight menu with multiple entrée choices[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality wines and liquors[/item]
[/checklist]